Nintendo Switch 2: Everything you need to know about the new console

On Wednesday, we finally got a closer look at the Switch 2 in a 60-minute-long Nintendo Direct. If you couldn’t tune in live or just … The post Nintendo Switch 2: Everything you need to know about the new console appeared first on BGR.

Apr 2, 2025 - 15:05

Nintendo Switch 2: Everything you need to know about the new console

Our first official look at Nintendo Switch 2.

On Wednesday, we finally got a closer look at the Switch 2 in a 60-minute-long Nintendo Direct. If you couldn't tune in live or just want a recap of everything we learned, we've rounded up all of the new information, game reveals, trailers, and more below.

Nintendo Switch 2 hardware and new features

The Switch 2 has a 1080p, 7.9-inch LCD screen which supports HDR and up to 120 FPS.

The new Joy-Con 2 controllers are reminiscent of the controllers for the Switch, but with a few key differences. We knew the updated Joy-Con connected to the Switch magnetically instead of on rails, but they can also both be used as mice to play compatible games. The console also features 3D audio support, a new stand with freely adjustable viewing angles, two USB-C ports (one on top and one on bottom), and 256GB of internal storage.

The dock enables up to 4K resolution and HDR for compatible games. The dock also has a built-in fan to keep your system cool and performance stable.

GameChat and Nintendo Switch 2 Camera

Then there's the C button on the right controller that can used to activate a new feature called GameChat. With the C button, you can pull up the Chat menu, where you can share your screen and start voice chats with friends. The Switch 2 has a built-in speaker and voice cancellation technology to ensure the speaker is only picking up your voice.

There's also a new accessory called the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. With the camera connected, you and your friends can stream yourselves live alongside your gameplay.

GameChat will be available when the Nintendo Switch 2 launches. You'll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership in order to use the GameChat feature, but it will be available without a membership until March 31, 2026.

GameShare

GameShare is another new feature for the Switch 2 that allows users to play games together locally on multiple systems using just one game. You can share compatible games with up to three other Switch or Switch 2 consoles at a time.

Game Cards

The Nintendo Switch 2 game cards are the same shape as the physical games for the Switch, but they're now red and have faster data reading speeds.

Additional storage

You can expand the storage of the Switch 2 with microSD Express cards, but Nintendo notes that the microSD cards that were used with the Switch will not be compatible.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

There's an updated Pro Controller for the Switch 2 with a C button on the front and new GL and GR buttons on the back, to which you can assign existing button controls. There's also an audio jack on the bottom of the new controller.

Nintendo Switch Online

You can continue to use your Nintendo Switch Online subscription on the Nintendo Switch 2. Plus, if you subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you'll get a new benefit: GameCube games. The games that will be available at launch include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcaliber 2, and F-Zero GX. And yes, there's also a Nintendo GameCube Controller coming on June 5 for Nintendo Switch Online members.

Nintendo Switch 2 price and release date

Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025.

Nintendo Switch 2 games

Nintendo notes that there are three kinds of games you can play on the new console: Switch 2 games, compatible Switch games, and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games. The Switch 2 Edition games are upgraded versions of Nintendo Switch games with improved graphics, new ways to play on the next-gen console, and more.

We have a separate article for all of the new Switch 2 games, but here's a quick list of all of the games that we saw during the Nintendo Direct on Wednesday: